Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 31/7/2025

As Shakhtar Donetsk marches deeper into the UEFA Europa League campaign, the Ukrainian club continues to prove that its blend of emerging stars and battle-tested veterans is a force to be reckoned with. Led by manager Arda Turan, the team has embraced a high-tempo, fluid style of football that is starting to bear continental fruit. Anchored by a dynamic squad built on smart recruitment and homegrown promise, Shakhtar is not just present in the Europa League—they’re making a statement.

Central to that narrative is Georgiy Sudakov, a playmaker whose intelligent movement and distribution are vital to Shakhtar’s attacking rhythm. Alongside him, Alisson Santana has brought energy and edge to the wing, emerging as a standout performer in recent qualifiers.

Up front, Kauã Elias and Lassina Traoré offer contrasting yet complementary threats, blending youthful explosiveness with seasoned finishing. At the back, Mykola Matvienko and Valeriy Bondar provide the defensive backbone, while the team’s overall balance speaks to a structure designed for sustainability and success.

Besiktas in Flux: Talent Without Traction

Meanwhile, in Istanbul, Besiktas is undergoing a period of reinvention under newly appointed head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær. The former Manchester United manager has already started to reshape the squad, bringing tactical tweaks and fresh purpose. But while the roster now features high-profile names like Orkun Kökcü, Rafa Silva, and Tammy Abraham, cohesion remains a work in progress.

Midfielders Gedson Fernandes and Milot Rashica offer energy and creativity, while defenders Gabriel Paulista and Felix Uduokhai add experience and composure. Supporting cast members like Joao Mario and Keny Arroyo round out a squad rich in potential but still adjusting to a new tactical identity. Solskjær’s vision is evident—but the execution, particularly under duress, remains inconsistent.

Previous Meetings: Shakhtar’s Tactical Masterclass

In two recent encounters between these sides, Shakhtar left little doubt about the gap in current form. Back-to-back 4–2 victories revealed a clear tactical superiority. Shakhtar’s midfield transitions consistently bypassed Besiktas’ lines, allowing the likes of Sudakov and Santana to orchestrate rapid attacking sequences. The Ukrainian side dictated tempo, controlled possession, and capitalized on defensive lapses with ruthless efficiency.

For Besiktas, these defeats weren’t isolated incidents. A string of poor preseason results—including losses to Petržalka and Wolfsberger AC, plus back-to-back draws with Admira—suggest that systemic issues remain unresolved. The defense, in particular, has shown vulnerability when pressed high or forced into lateral movement. While Besiktas boasts undeniable individual quality, the lack of synchronized team play has consistently undermined their performance.

Prediction

Form often outweighs reputation—and right now, Shakhtar Donetsk holds the upper hand. With seven wins in their last ten domestic home matches and a promising run in Europa League play (seven points from four games), the club enters this fixture brimming with confidence. Their midfield dynamism and fast-breaking attack are tailor-made to exploit Besiktas’ disjointed structure.

Besiktas, by comparison, has endured a difficult stretch in European away games, collecting just one point from a possible 18 and failing to score in five of those matches. While players like Abraham and Silva are capable of producing moments of brilliance, the lack of collective rhythm and defensive fragility make them vulnerable against sides that press intelligently and transition swiftly.

Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 3:1 Besiktas